Surfing to Franchise Success
Interview with John Brownsdon of James’ Home Services, Sunshine Coast.
Eden Exchange continues its series on Australian buying opportunities by speaking to John Brownsdon, who is a Regional Franchisor for James Home Services on the Sunshine Coast. James’ Home Services was established in 1993 with a single franchisee on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. James Home Services now operates across Australia in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. John discussed with us his franchisee to franchisor journey and provided some unique insights into the Franchisee role at James Home Services.
Eden Exchange
Thanks for speaking with us John. Can you tell us a bit about your background and career? How did you become a franchisor at James’ Home Services Sunshine Coast?
John Brownsdon
After years working as a chef, I joined James as a Window and Exterior franchisee in Noosa, I quickly moved on to be a trainer, then consultant and have now been an owner of 4 regional franchises on Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast. I have been with James since it commenced.
Vicki was in the volatile building industry in Cairns and invested in an Interior Franchise, which is how we met. She too, moved on to be a Trainer and Regional Franchisor together with myself.
Eden Exchange
In simple terms, what does James’ Home Services do? Where did the inspiration come from and how are you different from other other home services/ cleaning franchises.
John Brownsdon
The inspiration and decision to choose James’ Home Services came from the fact that most of us are working longer hours and are time poor. Looking at the bigger picture, there was demand for people to carry out the services. We are different from other franchises in that we provide one on one professional training in your area, on all aspects of your business. From simply answering the phone, to time management and accounting practices, our franchisees become specialist in their respective businesses. Also, because we have seven different fields of services which allows us to cross refer one another.
Eden Exchange
You currently have franchise territories available across the Sunshine Coast. Which areas do you specialise in? What are some of the factors that make these region unique?
John Brownsdon
We believe that any area is a good area to run a business, so we specialise in seven businesses over our entire area. What makes the Sunshine Coast special is that, people move here to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle such as the outdoors, the beaches and taking kids to sports. This means there is a demand for our type of services.
Eden Exchange
What’s your advice to potential franchisees who want to run a franchise but have never run their own business before?
John Brownsdon
I’m of the mind that if you believe in yourself you can run your own business. We have people from all walks of life including paramedics, nurses, truck drivers. The appeal of our businesses are that they are simple to run and with our support, can be very successful. Just believe in yourself and we will work together to make it a success, self-belief is a powerful motivator.
Eden Exchange
What type of support does James’ Home Services provide once a franchisee purchases the franchise?
John Brownsdon
With James Home Services, we work side by side with you in your business. We will help as much as you want us to, you are your own boss after all. Our support services include; full training, ongoing regular coaching and team meetings, and we also have a fully computerised system for managing your business (called The Butler). This software can tell you how your business is tracking, and information on your clients amongst other things. We also help with the marketing and business strategies for building your business to the level that you desire and can manage successfully.
Eden Exchange
Where do you see the Australian cleaning and homes services industry heading into the future Why is a cleaning franchise such a lucrative market in the years to come?
John Brownsdon
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) records that the home services industry is one of the fastest growth areas in the country. It is predicted that, in the future,employment in “normal” jobs will be so hard, that we will have to create our own opportunities. This is where James Home Services can step in and show you how to do this. The bonus is that all the hard work has already been done.
According to IBISWorld industry analyst Alen Allday, “A rise in demand for residential cleaning services is resulting from high and dual-income households and the progressive ageing of the population. Clients are increasingly seeking to bundle cleaning, catering, security, maintenance and related services under a single, multi-service contract arrangement.”
This is great news for James as we are a multi-service franchise platform.
Eden Exchange
In your opinion, who would suit running a James Home Services cleaning franchise?
John Brownsdon
Our businesses suit many people from all walks of life regardless of experience, education and training. You do not have to have been in management or dealt with clients before, we can teach you all of that. You just need to be able to stick to the system that we teach you and time and time again have a belief in yourself, because that is what makes it happen.
Eden Exchange
What are some of the key achievements you are proud of at James’ Home Services? On the other hand, what challenges have you faced to get the business where it is today?
John Brownsdon
I am proud of our achievements when I see people succeed in their business. For some, the journey may not have been easy initially. Some didn’t even own a car, or maybe they were shy but whatever the reason, the changes in people are amazing. They become more confident, some have purchased their first home or taken their first overseas holiday. I think that is remarkable. Some even go from earning a pittance as an employee to earning in excess of $5000 per week. I think that’s the working goal isn’t it, to live in financial ease?
Eden Exchange
What are the strategic priorities for James’ Home Services sunshine Coast over the next 12 months?
John Brownsdon
Our priority for the next 12 months is to ensure that we can service all the calls we get and manage our demand. We plan to achieve that by building our team here on the Sunshine Coast and fill in those territory gaps.
Eden Exchange
What’s the most interesting part of your job? What drives you to do what you do?
John Brownsdon
For myself, I enjoy seeing people grow and achieve their goals in business and in life. That’s what drives me at the end of the day. To see personalities develop and become confident business owners in their own right and I’m seeing that a lot in James’ Home Services.
About James’ Home Services
James’ Home Services gives you the chance to create your own successful franchise business even if you have no experience or prior training. As a James Home Services Franchisee, you will have a hands on, practical service role, dealing directly with clients, and building up your cash flow with repeat business from satisfied customers. Our systems and research have proven that rather than attempt to provide all services, you will be faster, busier, and better at your job by focusing on just one. That’s why we will teach you how to become a professional specialist in one of the service areas listed below. Click here for more information.